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we.o.n.nevNewsewWWWWWWW. A,
THE
IIFE AND
t
OROS OF CHRIST,
BY CUNNINGHAM GBINIE, D. B.
E have quite a stock of the above book on hand,
l
a
and they will be especiallyuseful to those who
are now studying the Sabbath-school lessons on
the Gospel of Mark.
As to the'plan of the work, we quote from the author's
preface:—
"I have tried in this book to restore, as far as I could, the world
in which Jesus moved; the country in which he lived; the people
among whom he grew up and ministered; the religion in which he
was trained; . . . • the events, social, religious, and political, not
mentioned in the Gospels, that formed the history of his lifetime,
•
so far as they can be recovered.
"In this picture, he, himself, is, of course, the central figure, to
which all details are subordinate. . .
All his sayings and dis-
courses are given in full, for a life in which he is not his own inter-
preter, most be:defective.'
"No one can feel more keenly than myself how open such a book
must be to criticism. Where the best and wisest have differed, I
could not expect that all will agree with me, and I cannot hope to
have escaped oversights, or even errors, in treating a subject so ex-
tensive. I can only plead my honest desire for truth and correctness,
in mitigation of judgment."
This is a cheap edition of the " Life of Christ," but is
quite well printed and bound in cloth. The book con-
thins 826 pages, and will be sent postpaid for 50 cents.
Address,
Pacific Press Publishing Co.,
•
Oakland, Cal.
hessons 1/ Gospel of lYlark.
FOR SENIOR CLASSES.
October 3 to December 26, 1891.
hESSO]4 xnr.—Oetober
3, 1891.
AN IMPORTANT TYPE.—MARK 9:1
7
29.
Parallels: Matt. 17:1-21; Luke 9: 28-42.
THE TYPE.
•
I. WHAT
important
statement did Jesus make
to his disciples at the close of the discourse re-
corded in our last lesson? Mark 9: t; Matt. 16:28.
2. Whom did he select for this purpose? and
where did he take them? Mark 9:2, first clause.
(The mountain of transfiguration was probably
Hermon )
•
3. What change took place in him? Verse 2,
last clause, and verse 3.
4.
Who appeared unto them? Verse 4; Luke
9:30, 31. See note I.
5.
What did Peter say as the men departed
from Jesus? Mark 9:5; Luke 9:33.
(3)
4
LESSONS 0.V MARA.
6.
Did Peter understand the import of the
words of Jesus? Luke 9: 33. Sce note
2.
7.
What change took place while Peter was
speaking? Verse 34.
S. What voice did they hear? and what did it
say? Mark 9: 7; Matt. 17: 5.
9.
How did
.
the voice from glory affect the dis-
ciples? Matt. 17:6, j.
10.
Whom did they see as the cloud lifted?
Mark 9:8.
1. What charge did Jesus give them ? Verse
9. See note 3.
12.
Did they keep this charge? Luke 9:36;
Mark 9: 10.
THE ANTITYPE.
13.
When will the kingdom of Christ comei
Matt. 25:31.
14.
What two classes of subjects will there be
in that future kingdom? 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.
See
note 4.
15.
Of what does the apostle say this transfigura-
tion was a view and confirmation? 2 Peter I:16-18.
THE NEVER-FAILING HELPER.
16.
Who met Jesus as he came down from the
mount? Mark 9:14-16.
17.
What terrible case of affliction was brought
to him? Verses 17-22.
18.
What assurance did Jesus give the almost
doubting father, who had failed to get help from
the disciples? Verse 23.
LESSONS ON ATARK
5
19.
What did the father say? Verse 24.
20.
How was faith rewarded? Verses 25-27.
21.
Why were the disciples not able to cast out
the demon ? Verses 28, 29.
22.
What assurance have we that we may gain
that glorious kingdom ? Verse 23; Rom.
2: I I.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION
4.—Moses and Elias (Elijah) were talking
with Jesus. Luke tells us what they were talking about.
They conversed with our Lord of his sufferings, sympa-
thizing with and comforting him in view of the trial which
awaited him, and cheering him with the assurance of cer-
tain triumph over sin and death. Jesus designed all this
to be a support to the disciples as they came to that try-
ing hour. This manifestation of glory came in answer to
the earnest prayers of. Jesus.
2.
QUESTION
6.—Peter not only knew "not what to
say," but he understood not what he said. Ile evidently
thought that the heavenly guests would abide with theft).
He understood not the nature of the kingdom.
3.
QUESTION
11.—The evident reason for thus charg-
ing the disciples was that no other evidences of his
.
divinity should be .brought to bear upon the people but
what was manifest before all. The apostles, not under-
standing the nature of Christ's kingdom, would be cer-
tam ti give it a wrong interpretation, and thus they
would spread error rather than truth. They were
.
, to
wait till the Scripture was opened unto them. Luke
2
4: 45.
4.
QUsTtoist 14.—There will he two classes of subjects
gathered home to the kingdom of Christ when he comes.
The first will be those who are raised from the dead.
6
LESSONS ON MARK:
Moses was a type of this class, and was raised as a pledge
cf the resurrection. This is indicated not only by the
design of the vision, but by Jude 9. In a dispute over
the body of the servant of God between Christ (Michael)
and Satan there could be but one result,—the Son of God
would be victorious. The second class will be those
translated without seeing death, represented by Elijah,
who was thus taken to heaven. 2 Kings
2:II.
LtESSOj41 XV.—Oetober 10, 1891.
" WHO IS THE GREATEST ? "—MARK 9: 30-50.
Parallels: Matt. J8:1-9; Luke 9: 44-50.
CHRIST' S SUFFERINGS FORETOLD. .
I. FROM the mount of transfiguration where did
Jesus and his disciples go? Mark 9:30. See note I.
2.
What did he teach his disciples ? Verse 31.
3.
How did this teaching affect them? Verse
32; Matt. 17: 23; Luke 9:45.
THE GREATNESS OF LITTLENESS.
4.
What question did Jesus ask his disciples
when in Capernaum? Mark 9:33.
5.
What had been the subject of the dispute?
Verse 34•
6.
What course should one pursue who desires
to be first of all? Verse 35.
7.
In what way is true wisdom and greatness
shown? Ps.
ro; 119:98-10o; Prov. 16:32.
LESSONS ON MARK.
7
8.
In what is truest love shown? i John 5:3;
Job. 14: 23.
9.
How does God regard those who are thus
truly humble? Isa. 57: 15; Ps. 51: 17. See note 2.
to. What is the truest greatness in God's sight?
—Id.
t. How was. this lowliness of character mani-
fested in Christ? Matt. 20: 28.
12.
What illustration of humility and trust did
Jesus present before his disciples? Mark 9:36, first
clause.
13.
What change did he say must take place in
his disciples and everyone else to fit them for his
kingdom? Matt. 18: 3, 4.
14.
Would he have us remain children in under-
standing? t Cor. 14:
20.
Murdock's Syriac reads:
" My brethren, be ye not children in your thoughts;
but to evil things be ye infants; and in your thoughts
be men."
15.
How does Christ's standard of greatness
compare with that of the world? Matt.
20:25-27.
16.
With whom does Christ identify those who
thus humble themselves? Mark 9: 37.
17.
How was the unwise zeal of John rebuked?
Verses 38-40.
18.
What did Jesus say of those who for his
sake helped his disciples, however small these dis-
ciples might be in the eyes of the world? Verse 41.
19.
What did he say of those who should cause
one of his little ones to stumble? Verse 42.
S
LESSONS ON MARK.
PUTTING AWAY OF STUMBLING-BLOCKS.
20.
How anxious should we be to put away
everything which would cause us to stumble?
Verses 43-48. See note 3.
21.
With what illustration and injunction does
he show the necessity of having the inward life as
it should be? Verses 49, 5o. See note 4.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION
I.—The reason why Jesus would have no
one know of his passing through, evidently, only that part
of Galilee lying north of Capemaum, was that he might
not be delayed on his way to more important fields, and
that he might have opportunity of instructing his disciples
when alone with them.
2.
QUESTION
.9.—There is no more precious grace in
the eyes of the Lord than true humility; and there is a
reason for this, for he who has a low opinion of his own
wisdom, his own righteousness, his own strength, will
Seek the wisdom and righteousness and strength of Gcd.
Hence the high and lofty One dwells with the humble
and contrite ones, to revive an encourage them. Isa. 57:
15; 66:2. The truest wisdom is that which is of the great-
est use; and as in the way of righteousness alone is eter-
nal life found, so that wisdom which leads to righteous-
ness is the greatest wisdom So while man may not
glory in the wisdom, and might; and riches of the world,
he may glory in that which is infinitely greater—the knowl-
edge of God, who exercises `! loving-kindness, judgment,
and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I de-
light, saith the Lord," and the knowledge of God is re-
vealed in the meek and lowly. Ps.
25:9,
14;
139:6.
The
smallest in their own sight are greatest in the eyes of the
LESSONS ON MARK.
9
Lord; for these only can, he make great. The greatest
faith is that which believes all which God says without
question; and true faith is inseparably connected with that
love which keeps all the commandments of God. Gal.
5: 6. True greatness in God's eyes is, therefore, wise,
faithful, loving service, a losing of one's self in the will of
God.
3. QUESTION 20.—" Offend," in verses 42, 43, 45, and
47, should be translated as in the Revised Version, "cause
to stumble," " Whosoever shall cause one of these little
ones that believe on me to stumble," etc., and, "If thy
hand cause thee to stumble," etc. It is not to be under-
stood that the hand, or the foot, or the eye, should be lit-
erally cut off or pluCked out; for these members but
follow the desire of the heart and command or assent of
the will. But we should sever from us everything which
would cause us to stumble, even though it be as clear as a
hand or foot or eye. This is true as a church, it is true
as individuals. "The fire that never shall be quenched"
ought to be, as in the Revised Version, simply "unquench-
able fire," that is, fire which cannot be quenched till it
consumes what it has preyed upon, the worm which does
not die till it has devoured the carcasses and there is no
more left. An example of this unquenchable fire is given
in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. See Jer.
17:27; compare with 2 Chron. 36:19, 2I; or Jude 7 with 2
Peter 2:6. In both cases the fire burned up, and then
went out. The word " hell " comes from
Ge-enmz,
the
Valley of Hinnom, a place outside of Jerusalem where
the dead carcasses of malefactors and all manner of filth
and rubbish were cast. Here worms preyed upon it, and
what was left was consumed by the fires which were kept
constantly burning. The word is therefore used as sym-
bolical of the punishment.of the wicked, denoting -utter
and final destruction:
10
LESSONS ON MARK.
4.
QUESTION
21.—The necessity of the inward work of
grace on the heart is shown by verses 49, 5o. Salt is
known for its power to preserve. In this sense it is a
symbol of righteousness. It matters not what the deed
is, the inward motive, the state of the soul, the inner
life, is what determines its worth. If righteousness is
not in the heart of the believer, he is like salt without salt-
ness.
LESSON XVI.—Oetober 17, 1891.
THE POOR RICH MAN.—MARK
10
:
1
-
31.
Parallels: Matthew 19; Luke 18:18-30.
QUESTION OF DIVORCE.
I. WHERE
did our Lord go from Capernaum?
Mark to:1. See note I.
2.
What conversation took place between Jesus
and the Pharisees? Verses 2-4; Matt. 19:3.
3.
How close and sacred did Jesus show the
marriage relation to be? Mark to:5-9.
4.
For what cause only did he say divorce could
be granted? Verses to-12; Matt. 19:9.
CHILDLIKE CONFIDENCE.
5.
What characteristic of our Lord is shown in
the next incident recorded? Mark to: 13-16.
6.
What practical lesson did he draw from the
trust of the little ones? Verse 15.
IDOLATRY OF RICHES.
7.
As Jesus started on his journey, what ques-
tion was asked him by a young ruler? Verse 17;
Matt. 19:16.
LESSONS ON MARK.
11
8.
In replying, who alone did• Jesus say is
good? Mark 10: i8.
9.
Did Jesus by this mean to imply that he him-
self was
,
not good? John 8:46; I Peter 2:22; 2
Cor. 5: 21.
to. What was the lesson designed to be taught?
See note 2.
II. What did Jesus tell the young man to do?
Matt. 19: 17; Mark Io:19.
12. How did the ruler reply? Verse zo.
•
13. How did Jesus regard the young man?
Verse 21, first clause.
14.
How did he show.the young man that he was
a transgressor of the law? Verses 21, 22.
15.
How was the young man a transgressor?
See note 3.
16.
How only can one do God's will ? John 6:
28, 29.
17.
What did the young man do? Mark 10:22.
DANGER AND USE OF RICHES.
18.
What lesson did Jesus draw from this inci-
dent? Verses 23-25.
19.
What question did the disciples ask? Verse
26.
20.
What did Jesus reply? Verse 27. See
note 4.
21.
What did Jesus say should be the reward of
those who forsake all for his sake? Verses 28-30.
22.
For what purpose alone does God give riches?
I Tim. 6:.17-19.
10
LESSONS ON
MARX.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION
I.—Between the events of this lesson and
our last conies in what is recorded in chapters tot() 18: 14
in Luke and chapters 7 to to in John.
2.
QUESTION
to.—God only is absolute good; if, there-
fore, Jesus was good of himself, he was of God and di-
vine. The young man's address was doubtless only
designed to be respectful; Jesus used it to convey a lesson
which would be of eternal worth if studied.
3.
QUESTION
15.—The young man had kept the law,
doubtless, as did Paul. He had observed it outwardly,
not realizing that the principles of love on which it was
based demanded his all. His Wealth was his god, his
morality was his pride, and he knew it not. He was
really a transgressor of the first commandment, and there-
fore of the whole law, for it is one law. The law demands
all-absorbing love, and love gives all.
4.
QUESTION
zo.—The words of Jesus show the great
danger and powerful snare of riches. Of course, it is
only by the power of God that any can he saved, but it •
would require more of God's power to enable the rich
man to relinquish his idol, or break the cords that bind
him to the world in so many ways. The proverb con-
cerning the camel and the eye of a needle was a common
proverb among the orientals to denote an impossibility.
For " they that will be rich fall into temptation and a
snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which
drown men in destruction and perdition."
I
Tim. 6: 9.
To those whose heart is set on riches there is no way to
escape its snares.- The only hope of the rich is to
yield all to God. They are then no longer rich in this
world's goods but poor for Christ's sake.
LESSONS ON MARK.
13
LkESSON XVII.—Oetober 24,1891.
THE BAPTISM OF SUFFERING; BLIND BARTIM-
EUS.—MARK xo :32-52.
Parallels : Matt.
20 :
17-34; Luke
18
:3
1-
43.
CHRIST' S SUFFERINGS FORETOLD.
I. WHAT
did Jesus tell his disciples on the way
to Jerusalem? Mark io: 32-34. See note I.
2.
What shows that the disciples were look-
ing for a temporal kingdom? Verses 35-37.
These men made request through their mother.
Matt. 20 : 20, 21.
3.
Did they understand what they requested?
Mark 1o:38, first clause.
4.
What question did Jesus ask? Same verse.
5.
What was their reply? Verse 39, first clause.
6.
What was the baptism and cup to which our
Lord referred? Verses 33, 34; Matt. 26:38, 39.
7.
What should be their lot and that of others
of the servants of Christ? Mark io:39;
2
Tim. 3:
12;
Phil. 1:29.
8.
What did he say of the positions asked?
Mark 10:40; Matt. zo: 23.
GREATNESS MEASURED BY SERVICE.
9.
How does Jesus say we should strive for
greatness? Mark To :4
1-
44-
1o. What great example did he give them of
the unselfishness and greatness of true service?
Verse 45.
14
LESSONS ON MARK.
THE BLIND RESTORED.
t. As Jesus and his disciples passed through
Jericho, who sat by the wayside begging? Verse
4
6
.
12.
What did Bartimeus do as he learned that
Jesus was passing? Verse 47.
13.
How did Bartimeus regard the rebuke of
the people? Verse 48.
14.
How did Jesus regard the blind man's cry?
Verses
49-52.
15.
What did Bartimeus do? Verse 52, last
clause.
SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS.
16.
What is the spiritual condition of those who
are in sin?
2
Peter 1:9; Rev. 3:17.
17.
Who alone can make such to see? Isa. 42:
7; Rev. 3:18. .-
18.
What does God require that they may see?
Matt. 7:7, 8.
19.
What will such restoration make of those
restored? Mark to:52; I Peter
2:
9.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION
r.—The parable of the laborers in the
vineyard recorded in Matt.
20:1-16
comes in between the
last lesson and this. It was given to illustrate the truth
expressed in Mark to:31. After that Jeus again tells his
disciples' of his sufferings. Again and again he repeats
it, that they may be prepared for the fearful ordeal.
LESSONS ON MARK.
15
LESSON XVIII.—Oetobet 31, 1891.
FEELING AND FAITH.—MARK xt
: 1-26.
Parallels: Matt. 21:1-22; Luke r9: 28-40; John II: 55
-
59;
12:12-19.
FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY.
I. WHAT was the occasion of Jesus and his dis-
ciples going to Jerusalem at this time? John
55.
See note 1.
2.
What preparations did Jesus make to enter
Jerusalem ? Mark i i : 1-7.
3.
How did the people receive him? Verses
8-1o; John
12:
15. See note
2.
4.
In their jealousy what did some of the Phar-
isees say to Jesus? John
12: 19;
Luke 19: 39.
5.
What reply did Jesus make? Luke 19:40.
' 6. Why was it necessary that they should do
this? Luke 24:44.
7.
What prophet had predicted this? Zech.
9:9.
8.
Did the great majority of those who took
part in this demonstration probably believe in
Jesus ? John 12:37-40. See note 3.
9.
When Jesus reached Jerusalem, what did he
do? Mark II:II.
CLEANSING THE TEMPLE.
io. What did he do in the temple on the mor-
row ? Verses 15-17.
16
LESSONS ON MARK.
I I. How did the scribes and chief priests regard
this? Verse i8.
THE BARREN FIG TREE."
12.
What incident occurred as Jesus came into
the city ? Verses 12-14.
13.
What was the effect of Christ's curse upon
the tree? Verses zo,
14.
What did this fig tree represent? See note 4.
I
5. What is said of those whose works deny their
profession ? Titus I:16. See note 4.
GENUINE FAITH.
16.
What lesson did Jesus draw from this for his
disciples? Mark II:
2 I , 22.
17.
What did he say of the power and nature of
faith? Verses 23, 24.
18.
To what did he especially apply this faith?
Verse 25.
19.
What would effectually hinder the forgive-
ness of God? Verse
26.
20.
What is the most blessed manifestation pf
faith we could desire? Col. 1:1o, 11 ; Heb. I I:
36-38. The faith to live the life of the godly' and
endure
all things, even to the end.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
T.
QuEsTioN I.—Intervening between this and the last
lesson are the events and teaching of Luke 19:1-27 and
Jonn 12:
The parable of the pounds was given to
correct the erroneous ideas in regard to the kingdom of
Christ. Certainly the disciples could not say our Lord
had deceived them.
LESSONS ON MARK.
17
2.
QUESTION 3.'---They looked not only for the king-
dom of God to appear, but they recognized Christ as the
King. There seemed also to he a general recognition of
his earthly ancestry. See Matt. 9:27; 20: 30; 5:22.
3.
QuEs-rioN 8.—The testimony of the people did not
seem to be the strong conviction of faith; rather, it was
pressed upon them by coining under the influence of the
Spirit of God, just as Saul prophesied. See 1 Sam. 19:
19-24. Abiding faith dwells only in regenerated, sancti-
fied hearts.
4.
QUESTION 15.—The barren fig tree was a fit repre-
sentative of the Jewish nation and temple worship. Their
gorgeous temple, elaborate ritual, and high profession,
fitly accorded with the leaves of the fig tree, which do
not appear till after the figs. That tree said by its leaves,
"You will find fruit here." The Jews said to all sur-
rounding them, " We are the people of God. Here you
will find true worship." Jesus came to his vineyard but
found no fruit (Luke 13: 6-9), and his curse rested upon
the cumberer of the ground. He came to his own, and
his
.
own received him not. John 1: It; Luke 19:14.
LESSON XIX.--Novernber 7, 1891.
THE PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD.—MARK
II: 27-33; 12:1-17.
Parallels: Matt. 21: 33-46; 22: 15-22; Luke 20: 1-26.
JESUS FOILS HIS ENEMIES.
I. WHAT questions was Jesus asked by his ene-
mies after the cleansing of the temple? Mark II:
27, 28.
18
LESSONS ON MARK.
2.
What motive inspired their questions ?
Luke 19:47; Mark 12:13.
3.
How did Jesus answer them? Mark
:
29-33.
THE PARABLE OF THE WICKED HUSBAVDMEN.
4.
What important parable among others did he
then speak?
Ans.—The
parable of the vineyard
let out to wicked husbandmen. Mark
12 : 1-9.
5.
What are the principal features in the parable?
Ans.—The
householder, his servants, his son, the
husbandmen, and the vineyard. See note i.
THE APPLICATION.
6.
Who is represented by the householder?
Isa. 5:7.
7.
What does the vineyard represent? Ps. 8o;
Isa. 5:7, first part.
8.
Who are the servants? Mark 12:2-5;
2
Chron. 36:15, 16; see, also, Acts 7:52.
9.
After the treatment the husbandman gave his
jervants, what did, the lord of the vineyard do?
Mark 12:6.
io. How did the husbandmen treat him? Verses
7, 8.
1. Who is represented by the son? John :32-
34.
12.
For what purpose did He come? John 3:17.
13.
What did Christ say would be the doom of
those husbandmen? Mark 12:9. See note 2.
14.
By what scripture did Jesus show that the
LESSONS ON MARK.
19
parable was justly applied? Luke 2o:17; Ps.
1
18:
22.
15.
Whom does this rejected stone represent?
Acts
4: io,
I1.
16.
What application did Jesus himself make of
the parable? Matt.
2 I :
43, 44.
17.
How did this affect the Pharisees? Matt.
21 :
45, 46.
CRAFTINESS VERSUS WISDOM.
18.. What plans did they lay to entrap Jesus?
Mark 12:13; see, also, Luke
20 : 20.
19.
What question did they ask? Mark
I 2 : 14.
20..
How did the wisdom of Christ meet their
craftiness? Verses 15, 16.
21.
What great principle did he set forth? Verse
22.
How were even his enemies affected by his
wisdom? Same verse; Matt.
22 : 22.
NOTES ON THE LESSON. -
I. QUESTION
5.—There are always features in every
parable which will not fit the case to which the parable
in general applies, for it is impossible that any material
thing should perfectly represent the spiritual. It is not
best, therefore, to spend the time in trying to make every
detail fit somewhere. We have the chief characters and
features in the householder, his vineyard, which he let to
husbandmen, his servants, and his son. There are cer-
tain other features which are also fitting. The tower
which was built in the vineyard doubtless applies to the
temple; the hedge round about it, to the holy laws, rites,
and ceremonies which separated Israel from the world;
LESSONS ON MARK.
the place for the wine-fat is evidently Jerusalem. But
here it is well to pause. The going into the far country
and the receiving of fruit at a specified time are consist-
ent with the parable, but they are not designed to have
any special application, further than this, that God looked
for his people to bring forth fruits all the way along. A
parable is not designed to apply in every particular.
The great practical lesson should be the thing which we
should seek to understand, not the detail of the parable.
2. QUESTION 13.-It
seems by comparing the different
accounts, that Jesus first asked the question, "What shall
therefore the lord of the vineyard do ?" The people,
carried along by the manner and eloquence of Jesus, and
not realizing the application of the parable, are con-
strained to reply: "He will miserably destroy those
wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other
hffsbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their
seasons." Jesus then repeats the solemn sentence which
the Jews, in their sense of justice, had pronounced: "He
shall come and destroy these husbandmen, and shall give
the vineyard to others." They see then its application
and its force, and reply, " Let it not be;" they would
have it otherwise. This must not come upon the holy
nation. This protest Jesus meets by quoting from their
own Scriptures. Luke brings this out with peculiar force.
Jesus paused, looked upon them, and said, " What is
this then that is written?" Luke zo: 17. "Have ye
not read this scripture: "The stone which the builders
rejected is become the head of the corner? " It is only
as we combine the accounts of the evangelists, many
times, that we get the full force and beauty of Christ's
teaching.
LESSONS ON MARK.
21
LESSON XX.—Novenaber 14,
1891.
LOVE TO GOD. —MARK
12
:
18-
44.
Parallels: Matt. 22: 23-46; Luke
20:
27
-
47;
2I:
1-4.
INFIDEL CAVILINGS MET.
I. AFTER the defeat of the Pharisees, what class
came to Jesus? Mark 12:18.
2.
What question did they ask him? Verses
19-23.
3.
How did Jesus answer the question? Verses
24, 25.
4.
How did he prove by the Scriptures that they
erred? Verses 26, 27. See note 1. '
MAN'S HIGHEST DUTY.
5.
What question did one of the Pharisees then
ask? Verse 28; see, also, Matt. 22:34-36.
6.
What was our Lord's reply? Mark 12:
29-31.
7.
From what scriptures did Jesus quote these
precepts? Deut. 6:4, 5; Lev. 19: 18.
8.
What did Jesus say of these two command-
ments? Mark
12:31,
last clause; Matt. 22: 40.
9.
What did the scribe say of our Lord's an-
swer? Mark 12 :
32,
33.
io. What did Jesus say to him? Verse 34.
II. In what is the law of God specifically com-
prehended ? Ex.
20:1-17;
Deut. 5:
22.
22
LESSONS
ON MARE.
12.
What is the highest manifestation of love ?
Rom. 13: Jo.
13.
How only can the law be kept? John 6:
28, 29.
HOW IS THIS LOVE OBTAINED?
14.
Can we love God without loving our neigh-
bor? 1 John 4:16,
20, 21.
15.
Can we love our neighbor without loving
God? Verses 7, 8, to.
16.
Through what agency is this love given us?
Rom. 5: 5.
17.
How willing is God to give us his Holy
Spirit? Luke 11:11-13.
18.
How must we ask? Mark 11:24.
19.
By what further questions did Jesus endeavor
to teach them the truth of his mission ? Mark 12:
35
-
37.
20.
What warning did he give the people?
Verses 38-4o.
21.
What instance of self-sacrificing love did he
point out? Verses 41-44. •
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION
4.—The Sadducees were the higher
critics, or religious infidels, of their time. They accepted
the writings of Moses, but for the most part rejected the
other Scriptures, holding that there would be no resur-
rection. They brought to Jesus one of their stock cavils,
one of the hard theological nuts, so to speak, with which
they had so often silenced the Pharisees. Jesus first tells
them their error, and shows them that they limit God's
power. He then from the writings which the Sadducees
LESSONS ON MARK.
g3
professed to believe showed that there would be a resur-
rection. He takes for the basis of his argument a truth
admitted by all that God is a God of the living. It would
be no glory to be the God of the dead; for death came
by sin. But in the writings of Moses, God calls himself
"the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God
of Jacob." Now all knew that these men were dead and
buried; how, then, could God be the God of the living in
being their God ?—For the very simple reason that in
God's purpose they still lived, for he would raise them
from the dead. He calls those things that are not as
though they were (Rom. 4: 17), for in his purpose they
are. If the souls of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were in
heaven, and God called himself their God and the God
of the living because their souls were there, the words of
Christ were the veriest nonsense. Jesus quoted the
Scripture to prove that "as touching the dead, that they
rise;" and that he did prove it, the tacit admission of the
Sadducees bears witness.
LESSON XXI.—Novernber 21,
1891.
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST.—MARK 13.
Parallels: Matt. 24; Luke 21; side help, " Exposition of
Matthew
2
4."
i. As Jesus went out from the temple, what did
his disciples come to show him? Mark t3: i.
2.
What reply did Jesus make? Verse
2.
3.
What questions did his disciples ask him when
alone with him? Verses 3, 4; Matt. 24:3. See
note I.
LESSONS ON MARK.
4.
What did he say would he the sign of Jeru-
salem's destruction? Mark 13:14; Luke
21: 20.
5.
What did Jesus say would be the signs of the
end of the age, and of his second coming? Luke
21: 25-27.
6.
Of what did he especially warn them ? Mark
13:5, 6, 21-23; Matt. 24: 23-26.
7.
How might they know that such were false
prophets? Matt. 24:27.
8.
What did Christ say would appear in the
physical and political worlds before he came?
Luke
2 I : 25;
Mark 13:7, 8.
9.
What did he say would be a special sign of
the end of the age? Matt. 24:14; Mark 13: io.
to. From the destruction of Jerusalem forward,
what was to be the lot of the people of God ?
Mark 13 : 9, 11-13,
19, 20;
Matt. 24:
21, 22.
What is meant by the expression " those
days " ? See note
2.
12.
What sign was to occur in those days?
Mark 13: 24.
13.
What signs were to follow ? Verses 24, 25,
first clause.
14.
When did these signs take place ? See
note 3.
15.
In connection with what event will the pow-
ers of heaven be shaken ? Rev. 16:17, 18,
20, 21;
Heb.
12:26;
Joel 3:16.
16.
What do these signs portend ? Mark 13:
26, 27.
17.
How positively may we know, when we see
these signs, that Christ is near? Verses 28, 29.
LESSONS ON MARK.
18. What does he say of that generation which
sees those signs? Verse 3o; Luke 21:28, 31;
Matt. 24:33, 34.
19. With what assurance may we rely on his
words? Mark 13:31.
20. Will we know the very time of Christ's com-
ing? Verses 32, 33.
21.
What duties has he left his people? Verses
33
-
3
6
.
22.
Were these words spoken for a certain class
alone ? Verse 37.
23. What will be the surroundings of the people
of God while waiting for their Lord? Matt. 24: II,
12; Mark 13: 13, first clause.
24. What blessed assurance is given? Mark 13:
13;
Matt. 24: 13.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION
3.—The disciples asked these questions,
the answers to which can be fully comprehended only by
comparing and combining the three accounts of this re-
markable prophetic discourse. The first question related
to the destruction of the temple, the second to the second
coming of Christ, and the third to the end of the world,
or
age,
when probation closed. Matthew, and Mark also,
proceeds to answer the last question first. Matt.
24:1-
14;
Mark
13: 1-13.
Then he takes up the destruction of
Jerusalem (Mark 13:
14-18),
and from that destruction of
the Jews he proceeds to the greater affliction of the peo-
ple of God during the Dark Ages, and thence to Christ's
second coming.
2. QUESTION
r1.-"
Those days," of verses 19 and
20,
refer to the time of the greatest persecution the people
LESSONS ON MARK.
of God ever suffered or ever will suffer. This persecu-
tion began during the reign of Pagan Rome, but culmi-
nated in the great Papal tribulation of 126o years, be-
tween 538 and 1798
A. D.
3.
QUESTION
14.—Matthew says the darkening of the
sun was to take place "immediately
after the tribulation
of those days." Mark says, " In those days, after that
tribulation." The ending of the tribulation of the days
is well marked: (f) By the decree of toleration promul-
gated by Maria Theresa, empress of Austria, in 1776; and
(2)
by opening to the oppressed of the world free and in-
dependent America. The first sign—the darkening of
the sun—must, therefore, occur between 1776 and 1798;
and it did occur four years after the tribulation ceased,
May 19, 1780. The obscuration of the sun came at the
very time indicated by the prophecy, and was regarded
by scientific men as beyond their power to explain, and
by religious men as a sure precursor of Christ's second
coming. The darkening of the moon occurred the next
night. The falling of the stars took place in 1833, No-
vember 13.
LESSON XXII.—Most. 28, 1891.
THE LAST PASSOVER.—MARK 14
: 1-26.
Parallels: Matt. 26: 1-3o; Luke
22: 1-38.
1.
How long after our Lord's discourse on the
second advent was the passover? Mark 14: I.
2.
What did the chief priests and scribes do at
this time? Matt. 26: 3, 5.
3.
Who made the Pharisees an offer to assist in
the work of betrayal? Mark 14: to; Matt. 26:14,
15.
LESSONS ON MARK.
27
4.
What was the result of the conference be-
tween Judas and the Pharisees and priests? Verse
II.
5.
At what event occurring six days before had
Jesus foretold his death? Mark 14: 3-8; John 12:
1
7
7.
6.
What is there
.
in that incident which reveals
a reason why Judas betrayed his Lord? John 12:
6; Matt. 26: 15.
7.
When and how did Jesus prepare for the
passover? Mark 14:12-15. Peter and John were
the two sent. Luke 22:8.
8.
How did the disciples find this detailed de-
scription to be? Mark 14:16.
9.
As they sat down to the passover supper,
what words of loving tenderness did Jesus use?
Luke 22: 14-18.
to. What ordinance did Jesus at this time insti-
tute ? See note 1.
1. At its close what solemn declaration did he
make? John 13: 18-22; Mark 14: 18.
12.
What did the disciples say? Mark 14:19;
John 13:23-25.
13.
What reply did Jesus make? Mark 14:20,
2 1 ; John 13:26, 27.
14.
What question did Judas then ask? Matt.
26: 25, first part.
15.
What reply did Jesus make? Same verse.
16.
What did this passover typify? 1 Cor. 5: 7.
See note 2. •
17.
What other ordinance did our Lord at this
28
LESSONS ON MARK.
time institute? Mark 14:22-25. See, also, Matthew
and Luke, as each gives some important additional
features. See note 3.
18.
Through what apostle, and where, has the
Lord revealed the same thing ? i Cor.
23-26.
19.
What do the bread and wine symbolize?
Verses 24-26.
2o. What is necessary that we may have eternal
life? See note 4.
21..
How must we partake of it in order that it
may avail us?
22.
In thus partaking by faith, in whom are we
made complete ? Col. 2:9, io.
23.
What great events should the observance of
the Lord's Supper call to mind ? See note 5.
24.
After the supper ended, what was done?
Mark 14:26.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION I0.
-It would seem from Luke that at the
passover supper a strife took place among the disciples as
to which should be the greatest. This may have been
manifested by their positions at the table. After the
opening words and ceremony (Luke
22:
14-I8), Jesus
arose from the Passover supper and washed his disciples
feet, instituting an ordinance of humility, as recorded in
John 13.
2. QUESTION
16.—The very passovei supper at which
our Lord and his disciples were sitting, was the last
legitimate one which would ever be celebrated. Its
origin is recorded in Exodus
12,
at the time when the
angel of wrath smote the firstborn of Egypt and
'Sassed
over
the houses of those who had sprinkled, tnie bloocl
LESSONS ON MARK.
the passover lamb on the doorcasing. Jesus is our pass-
over, and if our sins are covered by his blood in the day of
God's fierce anger, no evil will befall us, no plague will
come near our dwelling. The passover lamb, without
spot or blemish, of which a bone was not broken, typified
the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for all.
3.
QUESTION
17.—It is quite difficult to place in chrono-
logical order the events of the passover night. " It seems
evident that what is recorded in Luke 22: 31-38, and
John 13:31 to the close of chapter 14, took place just
after Judas went out. That warning to Peter would be a
distinct and prior warning to that recorded in Mark.
The "Arise, and let us go hence
;
" of John 14:31, would
be uttered just after the Lord's. Supper, just before leav-
ing for Gethsemane.
4.
QUESTION
20.—In John 6: 53, 54 we are told that, ex-
cept we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of
God, we have no life in us, and that if we do this we have
eternal life. Jesus says in the same chapter, verse 63, that
the flesh profiteth nothing; the words that he speaks are
spirit and life. Christ's sufferings in the flesh were in our
behalf (Col. 1:21, 22;
I
Tim. 3:16; 1-leb. 5;y;
I
Peter
2:24); his blood was shed for the guilty
(I
Peter
1:
18, 19),
and he has promised that all who have persOnal faith in
this offering shall have eternal life (John 3:16). It is
through faith in the promise and power of Christ that
we become "partakers of the divine nature," that we
have eternal life. 2 Peter
1:
4. God is no respecter of
persons; he will give life freely to all who will believe.
5.
QUESTION
23.—The two • greatest events in the
history of the race are brought to mind in the Lord's
Supper. We are carried
back
to his humiliation, his
labors, his suffering, his agony, his death; and we are
carried
forward "till
lie come," when he will come forth
and serve his people at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
30
LESSONS ON MARK.
LESSON XXIII.---beeember 5,
1891.
CHRIST'S AGONY AND BETRAYAL.—MARK
1
4:
2
7
-
53.
Parallels: Matt. 26:30-56; Luke 22:38-53; John 18: r-ir.
ON THE WAY TO THE MOUNT OF OLIVES.
I. WHERE did Jesus and his disciples go after
the Lord's Supper? Mark 14:26.
2.
What did he say to his disciples on the way?
Verses 27, 28.
3.
What response did Peter make to this ?
Verse 29.
4.
What solemn warning did Jesus again give
him ? Verse 3o. See note 1.
5.
What did they all reply to this ? Verse 31.
6.
To what part of the Mount of Olives did he
then go ? Verse 32.
7.
What instruction did Jesus give his disciples
on the way?
Ans.—The
instruction recorded in
John 15 and 16, and offered the prayer recorded in
John 17.
GETHSEMANE.
8.
Who entered with him into the garden? and
what did he say to them? Mark 14:33, 34; Luke
22:40.
9.. How and what did he pray? Mark 14:
35, 36.
LESSONS ON NARK.
31
to. After his prayer, in what condition did he
find his disciples? and what did he say? Verses
37, 3
8
.
1. How many times did he pray? Verses
39-41, first clause; Matt.
26
:44.
12.
Was his prayer answered ? See note
2.
13.
What did he. say when he came the third
time ? Mark 14:41, 42. See note 3.
THE APPREHENSION OF JESUS.
14.
While Jesus spoke, who came? Verse 43.
15.
What conversation then took place? and how
were the power and love of Christ shown ? John
18:4-9.
16.
What sign had Judas given the priests?
Mark
1
4:44, 45.
17.
What did Jesus say to him? Matt. 26:5o;
Luke
22:48.
18.
What step did the soldiers then take? Mark
14:46.
19.
What then took place? Verse 47; John
18: to.
20.
What mild reproof did Jesus give Peter?
John 18:11.
21.
How did he reprove the Jews who appre-,
hended him? Mark 14:48, 49.
22.
What did his disciples do at this time?
Verses 5o. See note 4.
32
LESSONS ON MARK.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
1.
QUESTION
4.—The solemn, tender assurance, warn-
ing, and instruction given to Peter by the Lord, as re-
corded in Luke 22: 31-34, seems to be one phase of the
same conversation as recorded in John 13: 36-38, and oc-
curred before the Lord's Supper. This conversation re-
corded in Matthew and Mark took place on the way to
Gethsemane.
2.
QUESTION
12.—There were two petitions in the
prayer of Christ:
(1)
"Take away this cup from me " (2)
"Nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."
The first was in his mind of secondary importance; the
second petition was primary. He longed for the first;
he shrank from the ordeal with an agony that forced
from his pores great drops of blood; but he longed for
the second more. The first petition was not answered;
the second and important petition was; and hence his
prayer was answered. Such should be the prayer of
every follower of Jesus. Whatever difficulty, trial, afflic-
tion, or cross lies before us, while we pray for its removal,
let us pray above all that God's will may be done. Our
prayers will then never go unanswered, and we may
know that God's will is best. Believing this, we may
say with all our heart, "0 my Father, if this cup may not
pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done."
Matt. 26: 42. Only in so doing is there peace.
"God pity those who cannot say,
`Not mine, but thine,' who only pray,
`Let this cup pass,' who do not see
The purpose in Gethsemane."
3.
QUESTION
13.—As Jesus comes to his disciples, whom
he had entreated to watch with him, he finds them sleep-
ing. While gently reproving Peter, he yet frames an ex-
cuse for their sleeping. The spirit was ready, but the
LESSONS ON MARK.
33
flesh .weak. But the third time when he comes, the
struggle is over, the victory won. He longs for their
companionship in watching no longer; they may sleep on
and take their rest. It is enough; the hour of agony was
over. But even as he speaks, the footsteps of the mob
are heard, and Jesus says, " Rise up, let us go; lo, he that
betrayeth me is at hand."
4. QUESTION
22.—"And they all forsook him, and fled."
This is just what Jesus had warned them of, that all would
be offended because of him. All had denied it, but the
words of the Master were true. How little do men know
of what is in their own heart. Jesus was left alone, and
yet he was not alone, for the Father was with him. John
16:32.
LtESSON XXIV.—bee. 12, 1891.
CHRIST'S TRIALS AND CONDEMNATION.—
MARK
14:
53-72;
15:
1
-
1
4.
Parallels: Matt.
26
:57
-
75; 27: 1-23; Luke
22:
54-71; 23:
1-23;
John 18:12-40; 19: 1-16.
HIS FIRST TRIAL, BEFORE ANNAS; PETER'S DENIAL.
I. WHERE was Jesus first taken when appre-
hended? John 18: 13.
2.
Who followed Jesus before the council?
Mark 14: 54; John 18: 15, 16. The other disciple
was evidently John.
3.
What question was Peter asked? and what
did he reply? John 18: 17.
4.
What did Jesus say to the questions put to
him? Verses 19,
21.
34
LESSONS ON MARK.
5.
What incident occurred because of Christ's
righteous answer? Verses
22,
23.
6.
As Annas could elicit nothing from Jesus to
condemn him, where did he send him? Verse
24. See note I.
SECOND TRIAL, BEFORE CAIAPHAS.
7.
What were the priests determined to do at
all hazards? Mark 14: 55-58. See note
2.
8.
Why had Jesus no need to answer these
witnesses? Verse 59.
9.
What question, under oath, did the priest
then ask Jesus? Verse 61; Matt. 26:63.
to. What did Je
,
us reply? Mark 14: 62.
I I. On what charge and by whose testimony was
Jesus condemned before the Sanhedrin? Verses
63, 64.
12.
What insults did they begin to heap upon
him? Verse 65.
13.
How did Peter regard his Master under this
humiliation? Verses
66-72.
THE THIRD TRIAL, OR FORMAL CONDEMNATION.
14.
Where was Jesus again brought as soon as
it was day ? • Luke
22:
66.
15.
How were the examination and condemnation
again repeated? Verses 67-71. See note 3.
16.
How did this condemnation affect Judas?
Matt. 27: I-to.
THE FOURTH TRIAL, BEFORE PILATE.
17.
Of what was Jesus accused before Pilate?
Luke 23:1,
2;
John 18:29, 30. See note 4.
LESSONS ON MARK.
35
18.
What conversation took place between Christ
and Pilate? John 18:33-38; Mark 15:2.
19.
What did Jesus reply to the accusations of
the Jews? Mark 15: 3-5.
20.
What did Pilate decide after this examina-
tion? John 18:
38.
21.
What further accusation did they bring?
Luke
2
3:5.
THE FIFTH TRIAL, BEFORE HEROD.
22.
In what did this result? Luke 23:6-15. I.
Herod found no fault in Jesus.
2.
Pilate and
'Herod were made friends.
HIS REHEARING BEFORE PILATE.
23.
Whom did the Jews prefer to have released
in preference to Jesus? Mark 15:6-11. See note 5
24.
What further cruel treatment did Jesus un-
dergo? John 19: 1-1 1.
25.
How did Pilate further appeal to the Jews?
Mark 15:12-14.
26.
What was the final argument of the Jews
and its effect? John 19: 12-15; Luke 23: 24,25. ;
27.
For what was Jesus condemned by Pilate?
See note 6.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
1. QUESTION
6.—The arraignment before Annas, the
greatest enemy of Jesus, does not seem to have been
satisfactory to the fiery priest. The Revised Version
reads John 18:24 thus: "Annas
therefore
sent
him bound
to Caiaphas, the high priest." He was not satisfied with
.
\ts results; he therefore sent him to his son-in-law. Cai-
36
LESSONS ON MARK.
aphas may have been in the same palace. Both Annas
and Caiaphas are called high priest. See Luke 3: 2; Acts
4: 6. Annas is supposed by some to have been president
of the Sanhedrin.
2.
QUESTION
7.—The priests and rulers were so de-
ceived by the devil that all sense of justice seemed to be
lost. The devil led them to reason, no doubt, that the
end—putting Christ to death—justified the
means—the
way in which he was condemned. They therefore sought
not simply for witnesses against him, but for
false
wit-
nesses. Matt. 26:59. They did even worse; if possible,
in the case of Stephen; they suborned hired men, to tes-
tify against him. Acts 6:
I1.
3.
QUESTION
15.—This was the formal and regular trial
and condemnation. The Jews, according to law, could
not condemn a prisoner in the night unless the trial had
lasted through the day previous. It is hardly to be sup-
posed that previous to this the Sanhedrin had been reg-
ularly summoned.
4.
QUESTION
FT—The former trials were to satisfy
the Jews., They had no right to sentence Jesus to death,
much less to execute the sentence. He was condemned
as worthy of death, not because he called himself •the
Messiah, but because he said he was the Son of God
.
He must be sentenced by the Roman governor if he was
to die; and they therefore accuse him before Pilate of
.
treason, of setting himself up as a king in the place of
Clesar. Pilate's "Take ye him, and judge him according
to your law," brought but the fact that they were deter-
mined to put Jesus to death. John 18:31.
5.
QUESTION
23.—The limited space of one lesson will
not permit the bringing in of the wonderfully interesting
LESSONS ON MARK.
37
details of the trial of Jesus. The narrative will endure
all the study which the student may be able to put upon
it, and new light and new phases will flash upon him at
every turn. It would be interesting to bring out what
led the people to choose as they did, how each step
Pilate took led him farther and farther into the power of
the priests, how he tried to cleanse himself from guilt,
how he was warned of God, how he repeatedly tried to
set Jesus free, appealing both to their sense of justice
and pity, but how at last he felt compelled to yield or
lose his position, etc., etc.; but much of this the student
must seek out for himself.
6.
QUESTION
27.—Jesus was condemned by Pilate for
treason or rebellion against the Roman Government.
Pilate would have, no doubt, released him if it had not
been for the last argument brought by the Jews: " If
thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar's friend; whoso-
ever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar."
Although Pilate knew that Jesus did not design to usurp
the earthly power of any, that his kingdom was not of
this world, he also knew that the unscrupulous priests
would not stop at any measure to accomplish their end,
and that they would work his own ruin if he did not con-
demn Jesus. He, therefore, gave sentence as they re-
quired, and condemned him for setting himself up as
King of the Jews. See Mark is: 26.
38
LESSONS ON MARK.
LESSON XXV.—beeernber 19,
1891.
THE CRUCIFIXION. —MARK 15:15-41.
Parallels: Matt. 27: 26-56; Luke 23:26-49; John 19: 16-37. '
PREPARATION AND PLACE OF CRUCIFIXION.
I. FOR
fear of losing his position, what did
Pilate at last consent to do ? Mark 15:15.
2.
What did they first do before proceeding to
the place of crucifixion ? Verses 16-20. See
note I.
3.
Upon whom did they place the cross of
Jesus? Verse 21.
4.
Where was he taken to be crucified? Verse
22. See note 2.
5.
What did they offer Jesus before crucifying
him? Verse 23. See note 3.
6.
What was done with his garments? Verse 24.
ON THE CROSS.
7.
At what time of the day was he crucified?
Ans.
—At nine o'clock in the morning. Verse 25.
8.
What did Jesus pray as he was nailed to the
cross? Luke
2
3:34.
9.
What was published as the reason of his
crucifixion? Mark 15:26; John 19: 19-22.
io. Who were crucified with him? Mark
15:27, 28.
LESSONS ON MARK.
39
ff. How did the people generally and those
crucified with him regard his sufferings? Verses
29-32.
12.
How did his fortitude and forbearance affect
one of the robbers? Luke 23: 39-43.
13.
What unselfish thoughtfulness did our Lord
manifest while suffering the agony of the cross?
John 19:25-27.
14.
What phenomenon occurred at noon of the
day? Mark f5: 33.
15.
Of what was the darkness evidently symboli-
cal? and how did it affect the dying Saviour?
Verse 34.
•
16.
How did some understand his cry? and
what was done to relieve him? Verses 35, 36,
[7. What were the dying words of our Lord?
Ans.—"It
is finished" (John 19:30); "Father,
into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46).
18.
What followed this ?
Mark 15:37, 38;
Matt.. 27: 51-53.
19.
What was the testimony of the Roman
centurion to Jesus? Luke 23: 47; Mark 15: 39.
20.
Who of Jesus' followerS are specially men-
tioned as witnessing the crucifixion ? Mark 15:40,
41.
21.
In what different ways were the bodies of
those who were crucified treated? John 19:31-36.
See note 4.
22.
Did Jesus die of physical pain or injury
alone? See note 5.
23.
What does the death of Christ do for all
who believe? Isa. 53:5.
40
LESSONS ON ilfARK.
NOTES ON THE LESSON.
I. QUESTION
2.—The scourging and crowning with
thorns took place before Jesus was delivered to be
crucified. See John 19:
Pilate presents Jesus be-
fore the Jews while undergoing these sufferings, and
endeavors to move their pity. After delivering him to
the Jews, the other indignities and insults mentioned by
Matthew.and Mark were heaped upon him; but he bore
.all without a murmur, praying for his persecutors,
" Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
2.
QUESTION
4.—Called the place of a skull, because
the configuration of the mountain is such that from 'a
certain position and at a certain distance it resembles a
huge human skull. On their way to the place of crucifix-
ion occurred the incident recorded in Luke 22: 27-31.
3.
QUESTION
5.—They offered to Christ wine and
myrrh. It was customary among the ancient nations to
give to criminals just before death a drink which would
render them stupid, and so lessen their sufferings. This
may be what is referred to in Prov. 31:6, "Give strong
drink unto him that is ready to perish." But Jesus re.•
fused it. He would drink the full cup of his sufferings to
the very dregs.
4.
OUESTION
21. —The legs of Jesus were not broken,
that in him the paschal lamb might meet its antitype.
Ex. 12:46. The piercing of the side John records,
doubtless, to show that Jesus really died. John gives the
fact as a basis of belief. See
1
John 5: 8.
5.
QUESTION
22.—It was not the physical pain and
torture which caused the death of Jesus. It was cus-
tomary for those crucified to linger for days in agony
before death came to their relief. It was for this reason
LESSONS ON MARK:
41
that, when the centurion learned of the death of Jesus,
he " marveled." Mark 15:44. Some have claimed that
the blood and water which followed the spear thrust
showed his death to be from heart disease. John 19: 31-36.
But however this may be, it is certain that Jesus gave his
life for the world; he broke Ins heart in sorrow for their
sin. " He hath poured out his soul unto death," says the
prophet (Isa. 53: 12); " My soul is exceeding sorrowful,
even unto death," says Jesus in Gethsemane (Matt.
26:38). And Jesus says again of his life: "No man
taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself." See
John to: 17, IS. It was a voluntary offering for the sins of
men.
LESSON XXVI.—bee. 26, 1891.
THE RISEN CHRIST.—MARK 15:41-47; 16:1-2o.
Parallels: Matt. 27:57-66; 28; Luke 23:50-56; 24; John
19:38-42; 20; 21.
I.
WHo came for the body of Jesus before the
Sabbath? Mark 15:43; John 19:38, 39.
2.
What did they do with the body ? Mark 15:
46, 47; John 19:40, 41. See, also, Matt.
27:
60.
3.
What precautions were taken by the Jews?
Matt. 27:62-66.
4.
Who came first to the sepulcher? and for
what purpose? Mark 16: I
,
2.
5.
What question did they ask themselves?
Verse 3.
6.
How did they find their question answered?
Verse 4; Matt. 28: 2-4.
7.
Who did they find at the sepulcher? Mark
16: 5; Luke 24: 3, 4.
•
8.
What did the angel say to the women?
Luke 24:5-7i Mark 16:6, 7.
42
LESSONS' ON 111,4 RA;
9. What did the women do? Mark
14: 8;
Matt
28: 8.
•
to. What occurred on the way? Matt. 28:9, to.
I I.
What circumstance showed the blind wicked-
ness of the Jews? Matt. 28: r -15.
12.
How did the disciples receive the message?
Mark 16: io, 1; Luke 24: to,
13.
To whom did Jesus next appear? Mark 16:
12.
See, also, Luke 24: 13-33.
•
14.
How did the eleven regard the testimony of
these two? Mark t6: 13.
15.
Did they believe even after Jesus appeared
to them? Luke 24: 36-41; Mark 16: 14.
16.
What did Jesus say to them when he had
convinced them that he had risen? John
20: 21-
23;
Luke 24:44.
17.
What did the Holy Spirit enable them to do'
Luke 24:45-48.
18.
When did Jesus next meet with his disciples?
John
20: 26-29.
19.
On what occasion did Jesus meet with his
disciples the third time? John 21.
20.
Where did the next meeting recorded take
place? Matt. 28: 16, 17.
2 I.
What instruction did Jesus give his disciples?
Verses 19,
20;
Mark 16: 15.
22.
What did he say would be the effect of their •
preaching? Mark 6:
I
6. See, also,
2
Cor.
2:15,
r6.
23.
What assurance did he give them? Mark
16: 17, 18; Matt. 28:
20;
Luke 24: 49.
24.
How able is he to fulfill his promises? - Matt,
28: 18; Rev. I: 18.
25.
With what power did the disciples go forth
after the ascension of Jesus? Mark 16: 19,
20.
see, also, Acts 4:7, to; Eph. I:
19, 20.
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